Trump's Secure Ballroom: A National Security Push

0:00It's April 27. This is Tampa Bay News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A shooting at the White House Correspondence Dinner, Saturday night, has the Trump team ramping up calls for a new secure ballroom in the East Wing. President Trump hit the podium right after, telling reporters still in their form aware that the Washington Hilton ain't cutting it's security-wise. He pushed hard for the $400 million $90,000 square foot space, calling it drone-proof, bulletproof glass. Trump jumped on it quick during a White House news conference, saying this incident proves why they need the upgrade now. The ballroom would lock down events tight, keeping high-profile crowds safer on White House grounds. Folks from both sides are backing the move. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X's time to build, giving the national trust for historic preservation until 9 a.m., Monday 2, drop their lawsuit, or face-court action. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham called it a national security must-have, and even

1:03Pennsylvania Democrat John Federman agreed, noting how, vulnerable the presidential line of succession was that night. Constructions moving forward despite the legal fight, a federal appeals court greenlit work on site, limiting above-ground stuff but okaying the bunker below. A June 5 hearing set to review the halts on bigger builds. Trump's eye in completion by 2028, promising top-tier security with no more risks like this. The push feels urgent now, blending politics and protection in one heart and package.